Is the Mercator projection useful?
Yes; when creating thematic maps
Yes; in naval settings without roads
No; latitude/longitude lines aren’t needed with GPS
No; its distortions are too great
The usefulness of the Mercator projection depends on the specific circumstances and purpose of the map.
Yes; when creating thematic maps: The Mercator projection can be useful for creating thematic maps because it preserves the shape and angles of objects, allowing for accurate representation of specific themes or variables on the map.
Yes; in naval settings without roads: The Mercator projection has been traditionally used in naval settings because it preserves rhumb lines, which are lines of constant compass direction, making it easier for navigation purposes, especially when no roads or specific routes are available.
No; latitude/longitude lines aren't needed with GPS: While it is true that GPS technology makes the use of latitude/longitude lines less essential for navigation, the Mercator projection can still be useful in determining relative distances and areas accurately, even without the need for specific latitude/longitude coordinates.
No; its distortions are too great: The Mercator projection indeed has significant distortions, particularly in areas closer to the poles, where the distortion becomes more pronounced. This distortion can lead to inaccuracies in terms of land area size, distance, and shape, which is a drawback for certain applications, such as world maps meant for general reference.
Therefore, it can be concluded that while the Mercator projection has some limitations, it can still be useful for certain applications, particularly thematic mapping and navigation in naval settings without roads or GPS technology.